Abstract: A golf ball includes a core having an outer surface and a geometric center. The core is formed from a substantially homogenous rubber composition. An ionomeric inner cover layer is formed about the core and has a material hardness of about 60 Shore D or greater. The golf ball includes an outer cover layer formed from a polyurea or a polyurethane and having a material hardness of about 60 Shore D or less. The outer surface of the core has a trans content of about 12% or less and a hardness of about 71 to 88 Shore C. The geometric center of the core has a trans content of about 10% or less and a hardness of about 60 to 80 Shore C. The core has an outer surface hardness greater than a geometric center hardness by about 5 to 19 Shore C to define a positive hardness gradient.

Abstract: Multi-piece golf balls having a multi-layered solid core and multi-layered cover are provided.

Abstract: A fitness ball chair includes a base, a fitness ball, a support tube and a pad. The base is an elastic structure formed by being spirally enclosed and having an opening in the middle of the base. The fitness ball is movably disposed in the base, and a portion of the fitness ball is disposed in the opening to prevent the fitness from falling out. The support tube is provided for connecting the base and the pad and supporting a user's trunk. The fitness ball is positioned and stored in the base. With the elastic design of the base and the softness of the fitness ball, the fitness ball chair provides a good exercise and protection effects to users, and causes no waste of the using space.

Abstract: A device includes a deformable shell that defines an inner space under a gas pressure higher than the atmospheric pressure. A flexible piezoelectric membrane is applied against an inner wall of the deformable shell under the effect of the pressure present in the inner space. The membrane is capable of generating electric energy under the effect of a deformation of the shell. An electric circuit is electrically connected to the piezoelectric membrane and includes an element for storing the electric energy that it generates and a rigid structure. Longilineal resilient elements for holding the electric circuit according to a predetermined position of the inner space are each arranged between the rigid structure of the electric circuit and the inner wall of the deformable shell and secured to the piezoelectric membrane and to the rigid structure.

Abstract: An improved anchor fitting (10) for anchoring a tether cord (22) to a hollow ball (12). The anchor fitting (10) includes an anchor body (16) comprising a shank portion (18) and a head (20) at one end of the shank portion. The anchor body is received in a hole (14) in the wall of the ball and defines an axial passage through which the tether cord extends. The anchor fitting includes two rigid shoulder-defining bodies (26) and (28) which are located within the ball and which extend perpendicularly relative to one another when assembled. The shoulder-defining bodies define holes in which the shank portion of the anchor body is received, with the head (20) abutting an inner side of the shoulder-defining body (28). A flexible resilient rubber washer (34) is located between the shoulder-defining bodies and an interior side of the wall for absorption of impact forces acting on the wall of the ball when the ball is struck by a bat.

Abstract: A ball (100) for use in bat and ball games wherein the ball is struck with a bat having an untensioned, rigid ball-striking surface, includes a hollow spherical impact body (112) having a mass of between 10 g and 50 g which enables the use of light-weight bats. The wall of the impact body is of a resiliently compressible material and defines a convexly curved impact zone IB. The ball further includes a flight control assembly (114) including a tail (50) comprising flexible streamers (52), a spacer stem (54) and an anchor fitting (126) for anchoring the spacer stem to the impact body. The configuration of the impact body is such that the impact zone compresses to a minimum compression depth of 12 mm and the impact body bounces to a height of at least 100 cm when the impact body is subjected to a drop test wherein the impact body is dropped onto a test impact surface.

Abstract: A set of golf clubs having a degree of adjustability to provide improved distance gapping across the transition from a curved face golf club head to a flat face golf club head.

Abstract: A golf club head includes a body having a heel portion, a toe portion, a sole portion, and an outer surface, a strikeface having a geometric center, a head center of gravity, and a weight member including a weight pad. The weight member is configured to be repositionable by the user to a first position or a second position. The club head having the weight member in the first position shifts the head center of gravity toward the strikeface, and the club head having the weight member in the second position shifts the head center of gravity away from the strikeface.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to golf clubs with adjustable mass properties. In certain aspects, the invention provides methods and mechanisms for adjusting a club head center of gravity in a vertical direction. Changing a center of gravity in the vertical direction can be done without substantially changing the center of a gravity in other directions.

Abstract: The disclosure herein provides a golf GPS device with a sensor mechanism to automatically switch between video and audio only modes of the device. More particularly, when a player attaches the golf GPS device to a piece of clothing or hat, the device automatically switches to audio-only mode. When the player detaches the golf GPS device, the device automatically switches to video mode, with or without audio.

Abstract: A blade for a hockey stick, having a body including an outer layer with an outer surface defining at least part of each of the impact surfaces of the body. A face member is made from a different material, has opposed inner and outer surfaces interconnected by a peripheral edge, and is embedded in the body such that the peripheral edge is in contact with the first material and at least a major part of the inner surface is in contact with the body. The outer surface of the face member defines part of the first impact surface. The outer surface of the face member is aligned with the outer surface of the outer layer adjacent the face member such that the first impact surface is continuous over a transition between the outer layer and the face member. A method for making a hockey stick blade is also discussed.

Abstract: A game of Hoopball and the method thereof is provided as a competitive team based sport that incorporates elements of various field sports while emphasizing strategy and sportsmanship. The game of Hoopball utilizes regulations that govern player participation, scoring, physical contact, and equipment with an extremely low probability of serious injury or mid-brain concussions. The current regulations governing the game of Hoopball includes an elevated hoop shaped goal apparatus and a game ball as central game pieces. The object of the game of Hoopball is to coordinate a team of players to score points by throwing or kicking the game ball through the elevated hoop shaped goal apparatus while the respective goal apparatus is defended by an opposing team. At the end of the game session the team that scored the most points is declared the winner.

Abstract: A hip rotation training apparatus for sports performance training includes an elongated member having a first end and a second end. A striking face is positioned on the elongated member between the first and second ends. An attachment device is positioned at the first end, wherein the first end is attachable to a user at a hip region of the user with the attachment device, and wherein rotation of the hip region of the user moves the second end along a curvilinear path.

Abstract: A pitching training device generally having a platform with a generally T-shaped end and a raised pitchers rubber configured to support the pitcher during delivery of the underhanded pitch, and a pair of removable heel guides to inhibit rotation of a drive foot of the pitcher. A stride section, removably connected to and positioned to extend longitudinally from said generally T-shaped end. A goal post assembly configured to movably position a stride bar across the stride section. The stride bar is positioned as a target for a drive foot of the pitcher to clear a predetermined height during the underhanded pitch. The device is lightweight and portable, useable indoors or on a practice field and is operable for left or right handed pitching.

Abstract: A striking target apparatus provides audible satisfaction feedback to the user when struck, and provides substantial focus training with minimal impact. The apparatus may be hand-held, mounted onto a wall or other smooth surface, or attached to a stand.

Abstract: A bicycle trainer includes a support for supporting a bicycle having a frame and a rear wheel attached to a rear axle, the support biasing the bicycle into an upright orientation, and a roller for engaging with the rear wheel of the bicycle, wherein, when the bicycle is supported by the support, the roller is adapted to provide resistance against turning the rear wheel and the rear axle of the bicycle is not connected to the support.

Abstract: A golf swing training device and method that provides audio feedback during practice swings for club head speed, orientation and release. The audible golf swing training device comprises: a whistle having an air inlet on the front end and an air outlet on the top; an air funnel affixed or integral to the front end to direct air into the air inlet; an air throttle means affixed over or between the air funnel and the air inlet to adjust the amount of air received by the whistle through the air funnel; and a connecting means affixed or integral to the base of the whistle for removably affixing the training device to a golf club.

Abstract: A motion analyzing apparatus includes a first calculation unit that calculates a position of a first line segment representing a direction in which a rod-like part of a sporting tool extends in a stationary state, a second calculation unit that calculates the position of the first line segment at hitting, and a third calculation unit that specifies a virtual plane formed by the first line segment in the stationary state and a second line segment representing a ball hitting direction, wherein a relation between the virtual plane and the first line segment at the hitting is compared.

Abstract: Golf training apparatus and method for golf training using a golf training apparatus. The golf training apparatus comprises a target member having a substantially flat form extending across an area larger than a regulation-sized golf hole area, and a target opening formed in the target member. The target opening extends inward from an edge of the target member. The target opening defines a space smaller than or equal to a regulation-sized golf hole. The target member provides a target for training to putt a golf ball.

Abstract: A motion analysis apparatus includes a swing width analysis unit that specifies a swing width from a first position to a second position on a swing trajectory on the basis of coordinates of a swing position of an exercise appliance which are acquired by using an output signal from an inertial sensor in a calculation processing circuit.

Abstract: A motion analysis apparatus includes an impact analysis unit that specifies a hitting direction of an exercise appliance during impact and a speed of the exercise appliance during the impact by using an output signal from an inertial sensor, and a display unit that displays the hitting direction and the speed in a coordinate system in which a hitting target direction is set.

Abstract: A motion analysis apparatus includes an impact analysis unit that specifies an inclined angle with respect to a vertical plane of a hitting surface of an exercise appliance during impact by using an output signal from an inertial sensor, and a difference analysis unit that specifies a difference between a reference inclined angle acquired prior to the impact and the inclined angle.

Abstract: A pull-up fitness exercise machine comprises a base for securing all components, an upright column fixed to the rear of the base, a top cantilever pivotally coupled to the top of upright column, a linking rope coupled to an end of the cantilever, and an elastic member driven by the other end of the linking rope for constantly pulling a rotary latching plate to rotate appropriately. A pull ring unit is installed at the other end of the cantilever and operated together with a pull string and a plurality of pulleys to provide an up and down displacement stroke for pulling the support plate. Moreover, a rotating rod assembly is pivotally coupled to the bottom of the upright column, and the other end of the rotating rod assembly is pivotally coupled to the support plate. An assisted pushing unit is interposed between the rotating rod assembly and the base and has an adjustable pushing force to provide an appropriate upward pushing force to the support plate.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for sports throwing cage. The apparatus might be a pole with multiple curtain couplings and multiple points of contact, a support, and a bend. The curtain couplings hang a vertical net curtain. The support and the bend adapt the bent pole to provide an offset from the vertical net curtain.

Abstract: A golf glove with which the overall golf swing of a golf club from taking back, to topping, to downswing, to follow-through and to finishing can be corrected to an ideal swing. In a state in which the golf glove is worn, a weight portion 2 is attached into a region between a first metacarpal bone and a second metacarpal bone except the top of the first metacarpal bone on the back side of a glove main body 1. In terms of, for example, convenience of a user, the weight portion 2 is preferably removably attached to the glove main body 1. The weight of the weight portion 2 preferably falls within a range of 50 to 300 g.

Abstract: A customizable hockey skate includes a removable runner-blade assembly such that a runner-blade assembly having a first stiffness may be readily replaced with a runner-blade assembly having a second stiffness. The runner-blade assembly may be removably attached to first and second cups that are optionally removably attached to the sole of a skate boot. The first and second cups optionally are removably attachable at multiple lateral locations on the sole. Mounting plates to which the first and second cups are mounted may be included to provide damping interfaces between the first and second cups and the boot sole. The first and second cups may be separately removable from the sole such that the first cup may be replaced with a third cup (for example, a cup having a different stiffness than the first cup) without removal of the second cup.

Abstract: In an aspect, a foot-deck based vehicle is provided, comprising a foot-deck, a front wheel arrangement, a rear wheel arrangement and a biasing member. The foot-deck has a front end and a rear end. The front wheel arrangement is proximate the front end. The rear wheel arrangement is proximate the rear end. The foot-deck has a first foot-deck portion and a second foot-deck portion that is rearward of the first foot-deck portion and that is movable relative to the first foot-deck portion. The second foot-deck portion extends rearward of the rear wheel arrangement. The biasing member biases the second foot-deck portion towards a home position relative to the first foot-deck portion. The second foot-deck portion is moveable from the home position downward to a biased position so as to store potential energy in the biasing member such that the biasing member urges the first foot-deck portion upward.

Abstract: The present invention features a playing card shuffling device, which through the use of a small image capturing means, captures an image of a face value of each card and stores the image in memory. This image is sorted in the format of a bitmap image. An operator of the device would be able to recall, through the use of a keypad, the images of the cards that comprised individual hands in the previous game. This feature allows for verification of a winning hand after a game has been completed. Thereby, a quick recheck of hands before playing a winning hand is performed. The face value of each card is determined by character recognition software. These card values would be stored in memory for archival access for use in monitoring the randomness of the game and determining the number of winnings hands.

Abstract: An automatic card-handling device, having a card-handling device that includes a controller, the card-handling device configured for shuffling an input set of cards and delivering an output set of cards resulting from the shuffling; and a communication module operably coupled to the controller, wherein the communication module is configured for sending and receiving information related to operation of the card-handling device across a communication port configured for operable coupling to a cellular network, wherein the information related to the operation of the automatic card-handling device includes information about the use of the card-handling device; and wherein a factor in a usage fee for the card-handling device is use of the card-handling device.

Abstract: A game is disclosed having two or more players, each player has a set of game pieces with the same front, and the back having an indication of rock, paper, or scissors. A game board has pre-designated positions for initial positioning of each player's game pieces such that each player may see the back of their respective game pieces and only the front of any other players', one of the positions being the winning position. In turn, each player moves any of their game pieces to an adjacent open position or may challenge another player to a position occupied by that player, the challenge being resolved in the traditional manner The losing piece is removed from the board or, if a tie, the game pieces are left unchanged. Play ends upon one player occupying the winning position without being able to be challenged by any remaining player.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to a game apparatus and method comprising a square board, four sets of playing pieces, a plurality of dice, a set of bonus cards, a set of trap cards, and a set of defense cards. Players place their playing pieces in the corresponding home area and attempt to race all of the playing pieces to the opposite home area, known as the landing area. Players throw the dice to determine the amount of playing pieces and squares that each playing piece may move. Squares in the gaming board provide opportunities for the players to receive bonus, trap, and defense cards. The game provides means for creating new configurations of the elements of the gaming board. The method and apparatus provided herein may be computer-implemented.

Abstract: A set of gaming blocks, including a plurality of hexomino game blocks, is provided. The game blocks can be used as part of a game, puzzle, model or toy. The game pieces are particularly configured to include a predefined tolerance to assist with arranging and/or stacking of the game pieces. A playing board assembly is provided that has a curved, surface engaging face to provide for more challenging game play.

Abstract: A game board for modifying traditional board games comprising: a grid, where the grid includes 196 spaces; a square configuration of the grid, where the square configuration includes a 14×14 square configuration, wherein the grid is adapted for use a plurality of board games; and a border surrounding the grid. The plurality of games may include chess, checkers, 360 chess and last man standing. The game of last man standing includes assigning point values for each player's pieces. The present invention includes a method of modifying checkers using a 14×14 game board including the steps of: aligning checker pieces onto the 14×14 game board in four rows of seven checkers; and engaging in a game of checkers by proceeding with movement of the checkers over the 14×14 game board.

Abstract: A device and method can remove a scratch-off coating that initially conceals information The device has a rubbing member including a melamine open cell foam. The device's structure includes a body with a fluid chamber that communicates with a distal opening. The rubbing member is mounted at this distal opening. The structure includes a scraping element located at the rubbing member. The melamine open cell foam and the scraping element are simultaneously pressed against and moved across the scratch-off coating until it is removed and retained in the foam sufficiently to reveal the concealed information.

Abstract: A system for enabling wagering on random outcome events including Sic Bo. There are: a) two distinct sets of three dice in each set; b) a surface for moving and stopping the two distinct sets of three dice in each set; c) at least two wagering positions; d) three separate paytables, for the random outcome for the first set of dice. Second set of dice and combined two sets of dice; and e) wherein the first set of dice comprises standard six-faced dice and the second set of dice comprises a first die, a second die and a third die with each of the second set of dice having at least one face with a unique symbol that does not include numbers or art indicating 1 through six.

Abstract: Described herein are systems and methods for stacking block games, which may include a game board or base including magnetized portions and a hover platform having at least one magnet connected thereto and being suspended above the game board or base and in a floating or hovering arrangement that can be generated by magnetic repulsion between the magnet of the platform and the magnetized portions of the game board or base. Further, a plurality of game pieces may be arranged in a stacked orientation on the platform.

Abstract: Disclosed is a code detecting system and method associated with moving objects. A light source provides light and sensor detects light as it reflects from a code supported by a moving object. Light from the light source reflects from a first portion of the code as the object moves, and is detected by the light sensor. Light from the light source reflects from at least a second portion of the code as the object moves, and is detected by the light sensor. A processor determines information representing the moving object, a first time when the at least one sensor detects the light reflecting from the first portion of the machine readable code and a second time when the at least one sensor detects the light reflecting from the second portion of the machine readable code. The speed of the moving object is determined thereby and displayed.

Abstract: A method for distributing tasks includes selecting at least one interactive process according to at least one task and transferring input data related to the at least one task to at least one server associated with the at least one interactive process. The input data is to be distributed to one or more clients configured to execute entities of the at least one interactive process. The method further includes collecting, from the at least one server associated with the at least one interactive process, one or more results of processing of respective entities of the at least one interactive process based on the input data on the one or more clients, and providing output data for the at least one task based on the collected one or more results.

Abstract: In a gaming system to progress a battle game using game progression information in one gaming device and another gaming device, a controller of the one gaming device allows a storage unit to store the game progression information read by a reader and identifies a detected finger motion pattern. When the finger motion pattern coincides with a finger motion pattern for input in the stored game progression information, the controller allows at least part of the game progression information to be transmitted toward the other gaming device through a communication unit to be used for the progress of the game in the other gaming device. The controller acquires the game progression information in the other gaming device through the communication unit and allows the progress of the battle game using the acquired information.

Abstract: A holographic projection gaming and learning system comprises a holographic projection device, an input unit used to present one or more instruction contents and an electronic device having a screen, wherein the holographic projection device includes at least a placement board configured with an opening, at least a projection refraction board and at least a supportive positioning component; therefore, upon placing the electronic device on the placement board of the holographic projection device, the capture module of the electronic device can capture the instruction contents provided by the input unit and transfer to the application software thereby that the application software determines the received instruction contents to display at least a holograph image on the screen, and the holograph image displayed on the screen of the electronic device can be illuminated onto the projection refraction panel of the projection refraction board via the opening of the placement board and then the projection refraction

Abstract: In certain implementations, state information of an action figure may be provided via wireless communication. As an example, a device may be detected within a short wireless communication range of an action figure. A wireless connection between the action figure and the device may be established based on the detection. Sensor information may be obtained via one or more sensors of the action figure. Action figure state information identifying a position of a moveable part of the action figure relative to another part of the action figure may be generated based on the sensor information. The relative position may be related to a pose exhibited by the action figure. The state information may be provided to the device via the wireless connection. A virtual counterpart of the action figure may be presented based on the relative position such that the virtual counterpart exhibits the same pose as the action figure.

Abstract: A computerized system for enabling a game-related communication with a user participating in a game, the system incorporating: a game server configured to communicate with a game client, the game client being directly accessed by the user participating in the game, the game server further configured, together with the game client, to enable the game involving the user, the game server comprising a real-life communication frontend, the real-life communication frontend configured to communicate with a real-life communication client directly accessible by the user, the real-life communication client being separate and distinct from the game client, the real-life communication frontend being further configured to send a game-related notification to the real-life communication client of the user.

Abstract: A system and method for providing a multi-player game experience through a computerized theme-park ride. The system includes a ride control module configured to manage ride control parameters and settings of a computerized theme park ride. The system includes a ride interface module configured to provide an interface to operate and navigate the computerized theme park ride. The ride interface module include a plurality of interface devices. The system includes a ride engine module, including a processor, configured to operate a multi-player game experience. The system includes a communications module configured to bridge communications between the ride engine module, the ride interface module, and the ride control module over a computerized network. The system includes an account module configured to provide player specific information to the ride control module.

Abstract: A computer-implemented system and method are described for performing video compression. For example, a method according to one embodiment comprises: encoding a plurality of video frames or portions thereof according to a first encoding format; transmitting the plurality of encoded video frames or portions to a client device; receiving feedback information from the client device, the feedback information usable to determine whether data contained in the video frames or portions has not been successfully received and/or decoded; in response to detecting that a video frame or portion thereof has not been successfully received and/or decoded, encoding a video frame or portion thereof according to a second encoding format; and transmitting the video frames or portions thereof to the client device.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus provide for: receiving a selected video, over a network from at least one network server, of previously executed content of an application program previously executed by the at least one network server; executing the selected video for display to a user of the information processing terminal, and receiving an execution request initiated by the user while the selected video is being executed and during a period of time when the application program is not being executed by the at least one network server; and sending the execution request for executing the application program to the at least one network server over the network, where the execution request is associated with a specified point in the selected video that shows the previously executed content of the application program.

Abstract: In certain implementations, a presentation of a virtual counterpart of an action figure may be provided based on action figure state information obtained via wireless communication with the action figure. As an example, an action figure may be detected within a short wireless communication range of a computer system. A wireless connection between the computer system and the action figure may be established based on the detection. Action figure state information identifying a position of a moveable part of the action figure relative to another part of the action figure may be received at the computer system from the action figure via the wireless connection. The relative position may be related to a pose exhibited by the action figure. A virtual counterpart of the action figure may be presented based on the relative position such that the virtual counterpart exhibits the same pose as the action figure.

Abstract: A computer implemented method of providing a game, comprising at least one processor and at least one memory of a device, retrieving from at least one memory information associated with a plurality of first objects and one or more characteristics of said first objects and causing said objects with said one or more characteristics to be displayed on a first area of a display in an arrangement, executing an algorithm which identifies a match condition between said first objects in which at least one of said objects comprises an action characteristic, determines at least one upgrade path in the arrangement in dependence on the action characteristic and determines if at least one first object comprising an action characteristic is positioned on the at least one upgrade path and, if so, determines a level characteristic value of said at least one first object positioned on the determined upgrade path.

Abstract: Methods for allowing a user to participate and change outcome of an asynchronous game includes receiving an indication of an attack initiated by a second player on a first player's game base during game play. In response, a first social post is generated to inform friends of the first player of the attack and request assistance to defend the first player's game base. An acceptance to defend the first player's game base is detected from a third player at the first social post. In response, game replay of the attack by the second player is initiated and the third player is enabled to participate in the game replay and defend the game base of the first player. A second social post is generated to inform the first player and the friends of the first player of the third player's contribution in defending the first player's game base.

Abstract: Apparatus, computer-readable storage medium, and method associated with provision of a virtual environment. In embodiments, a computing apparatus may include a processor and a virtualization module. The virtualization module may be operated by the processor to provide the virtual environment, based at least in part on real time data of a physical environment virtualized in the virtual environment. In embodiments, the computing apparatus may further include a physical environment module. The physical environment module may be operated by the processor to acquire the real time data of the physical environment for the virtualization module. Other embodiments may be described and/or claimed.

Abstract: Disclosed in some examples is a method of providing a computer implemented game comprising: displaying one or more on-screen objects in accordance with the computer implemented game; accepting input from a user of the computer implemented game; responsive to receiving input from the user, updating the one or more on-screen objects according to one or more game rules using one or more computer processors; receiving a notification from a game server, over a network, that the user of the computer implemented game has completed a gameplay specific task in a second computer implemented game, wherein the second computer implemented game is provided on a separate platform from the computer implemented game; and responsive to receiving the notification from the game server, providing a reward to the user in the computer implemented game.